Jonckholt Castle is an unfinished yard of a medieval castle near Hoelbeek. The plans were drawn up, but only the canals, ramparts and foundations were realized.

Translated by

•

An 🇧🇪

March 2, 2024

Hiking

Jonckholt is considered an unfinished military fortress under construction, hastily erected at the beginning of the Eighty Years' War. It was located on the shortest route between the Maas Valley and the Demer Valley, the fastest and easiest way to the Duchy of Brabant. It was built at this strategic location to discourage William of Orange's troops from advancing along this road. According to historical sources, the client was a branch of the de Merode family, which was active in the so-called Secret Council, which could be regarded as the government in the Spanish Netherlands at the time.

Translated by

•

Elmar

January 2, 2024

Running

What you can find about the ruins is that, on the one hand, it was an unfinished building and was never completed. On the other hand, there are reports that first an elevated island, then the walls, and later a fortification were built in the swampy area, which fell into disrepair after 1600 because it was no longer of military importance. Today's building is the result of a comprehensive restoration following an excavation.

Translated by

•

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Routes here

Best Hikes to Ruins of Jonckholt Castle

4.7

(50)

286

hikers

1. Groenendaal Castle – View of Groenendaal Castle loop from Bilzen

29.5km

07:38

160m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Hard

4.5

(27)

110

hikers

2. View of Groenendaal Castle – Ruins of Jonckholt Castle loop from Tongeren

7.03km

01:49

40m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

4.4

(21)

hikers

3. Source of the Meersbeek – Ruins of Jonckholt Castle loop from Eigenbilzen

6.80km

01:48

60m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

Details

Informations

Elevation 100 m

Weather

Wednesday 28 January

3°C

-1°C

44 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 4.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See routes here

Take Me There

Add komoot as a preferred source in your Google results

Add now

Location: Bilzen, Tongeren, South Limburg, Flanders, Belgium

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Landcommanderij Alden Biesen

Boardwalk and Pond View Near Alden Biesen

Lookout Tower and Bench in Munsterbos

Hollow Way in Haspengouw

Hoefaertvijver

Borreberg Observation Tower

Loopgraven WO II in Zutendaal – Sluisstraat

Singletrack in Hoge Kempen National Park

Sint-Adrianuskerk Hoelbeek

Vlonderpad Munsterbos

Alden Biesen Gatehouse

Bridge Over the Munsterbeek

Ruins of Jonckholt Castle

1. Groenendaal Castle – View of Groenendaal Castle loop from Bilzen

2. View of Groenendaal Castle – Ruins of Jonckholt Castle loop from Tongeren

3. Source of the Meersbeek – Ruins of Jonckholt Castle loop from Eigenbilzen

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️